The National Water-Use Information Program

The U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Use Information Program is responsible for compiling and disseminating the nation's water-use data. The USGS works in cooperation with local, State, and Federal agencies to collect water-use information. USGS compiles these data to produce water-use information aggregated at the county, state, and national levels. Every five years, data at the county level are compiled into a national water-use data system and State-level data are published in a national circular.

Water use also is a key component of the water-budget approach of the National Water Census, which supports research focused on improving methods of collection and estimation of water-use data.

Goals of the Water Use Program

Analyze the source, use, and disposition of water resources at local, State, and national levels

Reply to water-use information requests from the public

Document trends in water use in the United States

Cooperate with State and local agencies on projects of special interest